Full Breakdown
Arizona Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Pilot and Trooper During Police Shootout
2/7/2026, 10:32:10 PM
Incident Overview
On February 5, 2026, a helicopter operated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) crashed in Flagstaff while responding to an active shooter situation. The incident occurred around 10:15 PM local time, shortly after law enforcement officers engaged in a gunfight with a suspect following a domestic violence call. The crash resulted in the deaths of two crew members: 28-year-old Trooper Paramedic Hunter Bennett and 61-year-old Pilot Aviation Supervisor Robert Skankey.
Background of the Incident
The confrontation began when Flagstaff police responded to a domestic violence report at approximately 8:30 PM. As officers spoke with the victim, the suspect, described as a "career criminal," opened fire on them using a semiautomatic long rifle. The ensuing gunbattle saw the suspect moving between rooftops, firing at officers and into nearby homes, leading to a chaotic scene described by Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly as a neighborhood "under siege."
Details of the Helicopter Crash
The DPS helicopter, identified as Ranger 56, was deployed to provide air support during the police response. Despite being inspected just days prior to the crash, the helicopter went down under circumstances that remain under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Authorities confirmed that there was no gunfire directed at the helicopter from law enforcement during the incident.
Response and Aftermath
Following the crash, the suspect was taken into custody and transported to Flagstaff Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. No officers were injured during the shooting. Local resident Amanda Brewer reported hearing multiple gunshots before the helicopter crash, which she described as startling, shaking her home and followed by a fire in the nearby forest.
Official Statements and Community Reaction
Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her condolences, stating, “Arizona owes immense gratitude to DPS State Trooper-Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett and DPS Pilot Air Rescue Aviation Supervisor Robert B. Skankey, whom we tragically lost this week.” She ordered flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen officers. Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett also commended the bravery of the officers involved in the incident, highlighting their efforts to protect the community.
Michael Hunt, President of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 32, remarked on the profound loss felt within the law enforcement community, emphasizing the dedication of both Bennett and Skankey in their service.
Criticism and Opposition
While the investigation into the crash is ongoing, some community members have raised concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the police response and the subsequent deployment of the helicopter. The lack of immediate clarity on the cause of the crash has led to calls for transparency in the investigation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
As investigations continue, discrepancies remain regarding the timeline of events leading up to the crash and the specific actions taken by law enforcement. The identity of the suspect involved in the shooting has not yet been released, leaving some questions unanswered.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a devastating loss for Arizona and for the aviation and law enforcement community.” — Governor Katie Hobbs
- “Our fallen trooper served with honor and courage, answering the call to protect others.” — Michael Hunt, President of FOP Lodge 32
- “This neighborhood was under siege last night,” — Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly
